Columbus suffers on defense and in the net, but their offense tended to keep them competitive. This hasn’t been the case lately; they’ve lost 6 in a row and are well under their season’s average 3.2 goals per game. Merzlikins has been a workhorse for the Jackets, but has been overworked and under-protected. Columbus is better at home but they face the Bruins today, who are a tough match-up in any location.

The 8-2 Bruins have stifled most opponents lately, allowing just under 2 goals against in those 8 wins. They’ve also been flashing some offense, scoring 23 goals in their last 4 games. The Bruins are poised to move up from a wild card spot while Columbus is probably just wishing for an end to the bleeding. The Bruins won’t be doing Columbus any favors today. Take Boston on the puck-line – 1 ½.